Looking for great fishing without paying a permit fee? We’ve gathered the most popular and productive free fishing locations across the UK, from canals and rivers to urban lakes and rural ponds.
These are updated for May 2025, with species info, local tips, and access details. Save this guide before your next session!
🎣 1. River Thames (London – selected stretches)
- ✅ Species: Perch, roach, bream, chub
- 🎯 Tip: Try early mornings near Kingston or Richmond on spinning gear.
- 🆓 Free with: Environment Agency rod licence, no day ticket needed for public banks.
🌲 2. Calder & Hebble Navigation (West Yorkshire)
- ✅ Species: Pike, perch, gudgeon
- 🎯 Tip: Drop-shot close to bridges and lock cuts.
- 🆓 Free sections: Particularly around Brighouse and Elland.
🐟 3. River Severn (Shrewsbury – public stretches)
- ✅ Species: Barbel, chub, dace
- 🎯 Tip: Use feeder rigs with meat or pellets in deeper glides.
- 🆓 Free with rod licence, no club ticket needed on public stretches.
🏞️ 4. Loch Earn (Scotland)
- ✅ Species: Brown trout, pike
- 🎯 Tip: Try spinning with small spoons or trolling from shore.
- 🆓 Free fishing from bank – no permit required on north side.
🐸 5. Grand Union Canal (Milton Keynes area)
- ✅ Species: Perch, roach, zander
- 🎯 Tip: Fish near bridges and boat moorings using light lures.
- 🆓 Free access via Canal & River Trust rules.
🌅 6. Forth & Clyde Canal (Scotland)
- ✅ Species: Pike, perch, eels
- 🎯 Tip: Try dusk sessions near vegetation-heavy banks.
- 🆓 No permit needed – follow angling code of conduct.
🐬 7. River Wandle (South London)
- ✅ Species: Brown trout (stocked), chub
- 🎯 Tip: Urban fly fishing works surprisingly well here.
- 🆓 Free with rod licence under Wandle Trust guidance.
🌳 8. Oxford Canal (Banbury to Oxford)
- ✅ Species: Roach, bream, perch
- 🎯 Tip: Groundbait + pinkie maggots = match-style success.
- 🆓 Free areas available, especially away from club-controlled zones.
🐊 9. River Ely (Cardiff area)
- ✅ Species: Pike, carp, roach
- 🎯 Tip: Float fishing near bridges or overflow channels is productive.
- 🆓 Free fishing on public banks – perfect for urban anglers.
🛶 10. Brent Reservoir (London – “The Welsh Harp”)
- ✅ Species: Carp, tench, perch
- 🎯 Tip: Use stealth and light tackle; fish near lily beds.
- 🆓 Free bank fishing in designated public access areas.
📍 Bonus Tip: Always Double-Check Local Bylaws
Even in free stretches, some areas may have local rules, closed seasons, or catch-and-release only policies. Always carry a valid rod licence in England & Wales (ages 13+).
🎯 Final Thoughts
Fishing doesn’t have to be expensive. These top free fishing spots in the UK offer a mix of urban access, rural tranquility, and excellent catch potential.
